Assisted flying disc throwing training device and corresponding methods

ABSTRACT

Wrist and/or forearm support and Frisbee training apparatus, comprising a rigid sleeve configured for the application to the wrist and/or forearm that is adjustable and can be modified to the user, a platform configured to limit the rotational movement of the user&#39;s wrist, and a connection between the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the portion.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to wrist braces, and more particularly to assistive wrist braces.

Wrist braces are generally used as a medical device to prevent injuries to that area, Wrist braces may also be used as assistive training devices for certain sports. It is problematic when assistive devices have not been invented for certain sports

It would be useful to develop assistive training device for sports that do not have any, such as for Frisbee.

SUMMARY

One embodiment described herein is an apparatus comprising a sleeve configured to be adjustably mounted around the user's wrist, a platform configured to limit the rotational movement of the user's wrist, and a connection between the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the portion.

Another embodiment described herein is a method of obtaining the apparatus, adjusting the angle between the sleeve and platform of the apparatus, and mounting the device on the wrist of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the front view of the device

FIG. 2 shows the side view of the device

FIG. 3 is the side view of the device with the platform set at a different angle

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the device with the platform set at another angle

FIG. 5 shows the front view of the device with the second fastener method

FIG. 6 shows the top view of the device

FIG. 7 shows the top view of the device with the second fastener method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is a training device used to help teach athletes how to properly throw a forehand or flick throw of a flying disc, such as Frisbee. The device teaches players how to keep their wrist straight when throwing forehand throws. The device can have the angle of its platform changed to practice throwing high and low release flicks as well.

FIG. 1 illustrates the front view of a Frisbee throwing training device 10 with a sleeve 12. In embodiments, the sleeve can be made from a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, or other composites. In the embodiment shown, covering the top quarter and bottom quarter of the sleeve 12 is another layer of hook and loop fasteners 14 that may be tightened or loosened to change the fit of the whole device 10. Extending from the sleeve 12 is a platform 16. In embodiments, the platform 16 can be made from that is comprised of thermoplastic material, thermoset material, metal, metal alloy, or a metal plastic composite.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a Frisbee throwing training device 10. Attached to the sleeve 12 is an adjustable joint 18. The joint 18 allows for the angle between sleeve 12 and platform 16 to be adjusted manually. In the embodiment shown, joint 18 is a socket, half spherical in shape with a spherical indent hollowing out the component. In embodiments, the joint can be made from thermoplastic material, thermoset material, metal, metal alloy, or a metal plastic composite. Imbedded into 18 is a screw 20 that may be dome, cylindrical, or hexagonal on the outer head.

FIG. 3 demonstrates the 120 degree angle that can adjusted and fixed formed between the sleeve and the platform 16. This can be achieved by maneuvering the platform across the axis of rotation provided through the joint 18 formed between the interaction of joint 18 and platform 16.

FIG. 4 demonstrates the 90 degree angle that can adjusted and fixed formed between the sleeve and the platform 16. This can be achieved by maneuvering the platform across the axis of rotation provided through the ball joint formed between the interaction of joint 18 and platform 16.

FIG. 5 1 illustrates the front view of a Frisbee throwing training device 10 with a sleeve 12. Attached to sleeve 12 are another type of fastener systems 114 that can be tightened or loosened to change the fit of the whole device 10. Extending from the sides of sleeve are loops 115 that the fastening straps 114 are threaded through.

FIG. 6 illustrates the top view of the Frisbee throwing training device 10 when it is using the fastener system 14. While the user's wrist is not shown, the sleeve 12 surrounds the user's wrist.

FIG. 7 illustrates the top view of the Frisbee throwing training device 10 when it is using the fastener system 114. While the user's wrist is not shown, the sleeve 12 surrounds the user's wrist.

While the embodiment shown in the drawings contains a ball joint, other suitable joints can be used, including, but not limited to a knuckle joint, a revolute joint, and a cylindrical joint. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 contains hook and loop fasteners, other suitable fasteners can be used, including but not limited to elastic fasteners.

While the embodiment shown in the drawings includes a tubular sleeve, other configurations can be used, including, but not limited to a flat material that can be wrapped around in order to form the tube. The length of the sleeve may also be variable and not limited to lengths mentioned within.

An optimal angle for the platform to be set at in order to throw a fiat forehand throw is about 170 degree angle to about 190 degree angle formed between the sleeve and the platform. An optimal angle for the platform to be set at in order to throw a low release forehand throw is about 140 degree angle to about 160 degree angle formed between the sleeve and the platform. An optimal angle for the platform to be set at in order to throw a high release is about 210 degree angle formed between the sleeve and the platform. These recommended angles may need to be adjusted depending on each user.

A number of alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a sleeve configured to be adjustably mounted around a wrist of a user, the sleeve having an first portion configured to be positioned proximate the user's hand, a platform configured to limit the rotational movement of the user's wrist, the platform having an inner portion and an outer portion, a connector that connects the first portion of the sleeve to the inner portion of the platform, the connector including a joint that allows for the angle between the sleeve and the platform to be adjustably fixed.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, or other composites.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic material, thermoset material, metal, metal alloy, or a metal plastic composite.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, a metal, a metal alloy and a metal-polymer composite.
 5. . The apparatus of claim 1, where in the joint is a member of ball joint, a knuckle joint, a revolute joint, and a cylindrical joint.
 6. The combination of claim I wherein the sleeve of the brace covers just the wrist.
 7. The combination of claim 1 wherein the sleeve of the brace covers the wrist and forearm of the user.
 8. The combination of claim 1 wherein the sleeve of the brace has hook and loop fasteners attached that can be used to manually adjust the fitting of the sleeve.
 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein the sleeve of the brace has elastic fasteners attached that can be used to manually adjust the fitting of the sleeve.
 10. The combination of claim 1 wherein the sleeve of the brace is rigid.
 11. The combination of claim 1 wherein the sleeve of the brace is flexible.
 12. The combination of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured for adjustment of the angle between the sleeve and the platform in the range of about 145 degrees to about 215 degrees.
 13. A method of practicing a flying disc throw comprising of obtaining a flying disc training device comprising of a rigid sleeve configured for the application to the wrist and/or forearm that is adjustable and can be modified to the user, a platform configured to limit the rotational movement of the user's wrist, and a connection between the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the portion, Adjusting the angle between the sleeve and platform. Mounting the device on the wrist of the user. Performing a throwing action with a flying disc.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein mounting takes place before adjusting.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein mounting takes place after adjusting. 